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The Big 12 likes to present its highly competitive conference and defensive challenges as the only college football game where "every game counts" because of its 10-team lineup and schedule.
This idea has been slightly tarnished by the league, which has been hoping for a team in the playoffs at college football in each of the past three seasons. Fortunately for the Big 12, Oklahoma has gone four times in the last four editions of the playoffs. After Saturday's game, the Sooners again represent the league's only hope of returning in 2018.
In the run-up to the last week of the conference, the Big 12 officials got exactly what they had planned: total chaos, with a reminder to explain how three different teams could be eligible to participate in the conference championship on December 1st.
Let's start with Texas.
For the Longhorns, it's simple: after a dominant 24-10 victory over Iowa State, there's only one win over Kansas next week to reach Arlington. They have lived dangerously in the last month, losing by four points against Oklahoma State and West Virginia. They were saved by Michael Crabtree's usurpation of Lil 'Jordan Humphrey during a last-minute win at Texas Tech, but they have the easiest route to the game of title.
Quarterback Sam Ehlinger scored 12 points for a total of 15 for 121 yards and a touchdown in the first half for Texas before leaving the game due to a shoulder injury. Ehlinger was filmed praying for his head coach Tom Herman to bring him back to the game, but Herman did not hear it, especially with Kansas at the press on Friday afternoon.
Shane Buechele, the substitute, was appreciative for Ehlinger. He hit Humphrey for 27 yards, allowing the Longhorns to score 21 points at the end of the third quarter. Buechele completed his 10 assists in the night for 89 yards.
Iowa State was shorthanded by playing in the first half without attacking midfielder David Montgomery, who was forced to slip away after being ejected for throwing the win against Baylor last week. Once back in action, he did not play much, running ten times for 33 yards. Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy and his teammates in the background were put in a bottle all night, harassed by a teeming Texas defense that allowed 2.6 yards per run and six sacks.
Heisman Trophy nominee Kyler Murray and the Sooners continued their offensive domination of Kansas, winning their 14th consecutive row in the series with a 55-40 win over Norman. Murray had 272 yards, 99 points and five touchdowns in total (two assists, three on the ground), including an electrifying 75-yard run on which he left several Jayhawks defensemen in the dust. Rookie Kennedy Brooks added 171 rushing yards for the Sooners, who were tested deep this year.
However, it has been more than a month since Mike Stoops was sacked as defensive coordinator, and Oklahoma continues to have glaring defense issues. Instead of the defensive field being set on fire, the first seven of the group played a key role in the merger, allowing 348 yards and four touchdowns. Kansas scored nine touchdowns all year before Saturday. The Sooners only need one win over West Virginia in Morgantown for the chance to play for a fourth straight title in the conference.
Despite a disappointing collapse in Stillwater, the scenario is the same for West Virginia. A week after winning a thriller against Texas, West Virginia met a salty Oklahoma State team with a chance to remain equally relevant in the playoff race. Instead, they lost a 17-point lead in the first half and left Stillwater with a 45-41 loss. Despite four turnovers, Mountaineer's defense was lit for a record 604 yards. Their title hopes for the Big 12 are now based on their home victory against Oklahoma Friday night. They have lost six times in a row and are hoping Kansas can beat Texas if they can not beat the Sooners.
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